The Uefa Cup has provided welcome relief for Manchester City in a topsy-turvy season, and Mark Hughes is keen for his side's European adventure to continue. The Blues face Hamburg in the first leg of the quarter-finals tonight and the City manager is hoping for a repeat of their last trip to Germany.
An impressive 2-0 victory over another Bundesliga side, Schalke, back in November was a notable high point for the club in a campaign where their away form has been the subject of much disappointment. They have not won on their travels in the Premier League since beating Sunderland last August, but Hughes says: "Some of our best away performances have come in Europe and we are looking for the level we showed against Schalke; a great performance and a great win.
"This is a difficult tie for us, a big test against a Hamburg team at the top of the Bundesliga. But everyone has enjoyed being in the Uefa Cup and we want to stay." Hamburg will be the favourites though, with Martin Jol having shaped a durable and effective all-round unit in contention for domestic and European honours. Hughes admits he has a number of "walking wounded" with Vincent Kompany ruled out and Wayne Bridge and Stephen Ireland doubts.
But he is boosted by the availability of the Bulgarian winger Martin Petrov, whose season has been blighted by a knee injury. Daniel Sturridge, the talented striker, also returned in the defeat at Arsenal last weekend for his first appearance since January. His future has been the subject of much speculation with Chelsea and Aston Villa keen to lure him away in the summer when his contract ends. But Hughes is hoping City can persuade him to sign a new deal, adding: "He's an exceptional talent."
akhan@thenational.ae
